It is with profound sadness that the law school shares that Mr. Chester C. Davenport, the University of Georgia School of Law's first African-American graduate, passed away Friday, August 7.
Mr. Davenport was an incredibly important figure in our school's history. He was a leader. He graduated in the top five percent of the Class of 1966 and served as a founding member and Executive Editor of the Georgia Law Review. He was a successful attorney, public servant and businessman. Mr. Davenport was also a regular supporter of the School of Law and the university throughout his life. The UGA chapter of the Black Law Students Association bears his name, and he received the law school alumni association's highest honor -- the Distinguished Service Scroll Award -- in 2016. These are only a few highlights of his life.
2016 Distinguished Service Scroll Award Presentation to Chester Davenport Video
97th Sibley Lecture featuring Chester Davenport (LL.B.'66) Video (2004)